20 things every expert party planner knows

Got a party to plan? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed sometimes with all of the elements required to make your event happen just as you want it to. There are lots of things to consider and not often a lot of time to waste.
In the anticipation and excitement before a party there are a number of things that can be forgotten, and these can cause extra stress on the day.

Here are 20 tips that are invaluable to anyone planning a party or event. Keep on top of these and you’re well on your way to hosting a stellar she-bang.

GET IN THE MOOD YOURSELF. Give yourself time to relax for a moment before the party kicks off, so you’re in the right mood.

CATER FOR MORE. Always allow for an extra few guests. Pack a couple of extra goodie bags just in case that friend-of-a-friend turns up.

PLAN. This one goes without saying – save yourself the stress and plan your party well in advance. Some of the best parties are last minute, impromptu events… but the vast majority require quite a bit of planning. So don’t leave yourself short on time!

STICK WITH WHAT YOU KNOW.
When it comes to food, serve up dishes you’re confident making and if you’re trying something new – try it well in advance!

CREATE YOUR PARTY PLAYLIST.
Create a playlist – set the mood from the minute your guests arrive until the last one staggers home.

SEND GORGEOUS INVITES.
E-invites are stylish and super efficient. We have an enormous range of designs and you can even upload your own photo to really personalise your invitation. Some extra special events events call for printed or handwritten invites. Give yourself plenty of time to send these out and chase up your RSVP’s.

HAVE FUN WITH TABLE CENTREPIECES.
Fresh fruit, candles, cupcake towers, fresh flowers or plants from your garden. Get creative! Our Pinterest page has a whole heap of inspiration if you’re looking for ideas.

CANAPES = 1 BITE.
Make it easy for your guests to eat your canapés. They’ve just arrived and are likely to have a glass in-hand, so make it simple and easy for them to have a bite to eat.

GIVE A DRESS CODE.
It’s one of the questions guests most often ask, so make it as clear as possible to avoid any undue stress or embarrassment.

INTRODUCE GUESTS.
Make an effort to introduce guests who don’t know each other and highlight any common links or friends they may have.

BE SNAP HAPPY.
Even though it seems all everyone does these days is take photos, ensure that you give someone the job of taking photos – You’ll be pre-occupied with other things and you don’t want to miss out on capturing your event.

GIVE GIFTS.
If you can sneak a small gift to your guests into your event budget, they will go down a treat. Unexpected surprises add to the party (adults love goodie bags too!)

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.

DRESS UP THE DUNNY. Don’t forget this important room. Ensure your “powder room” is equipped with lovely soap, plenty of toilet paper, hand towels, toilet brush and spray and perhaps some candles.